Universal clock



Sept. 12, 1933. N usso 1,926,243

UNIVERSAL CLOCK Filed Sept. 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR ITNES:

ATTORNEY W Sept. 12, 1933. N. RUSSO UNIVERSAL CLOCK Filed Sept. 5, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 WASN IMTHN M0001 KUSSQVENTOR ATTORNEY WITNESS:

Patented Sept. 12, 1933 PATENT OFFICE UNIVERSAL CLOCK Nicola Russo, Tuxedo Park, N. Y.

Application September 5, 1930 Serial No. 479,998

1 Claim.

This invention relates to timepieces, and more particularly to clocks which maybe instantly adjusted to indicate the time in any given part of the world.

One object of the invention is to provide a clock having a fixed dial to indicate the hour of the place of the residence of the owner and also to give the time in any other part of the earth without. any mental calculation or adjustment of the mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide a timepiece of a novel and unique design, adapted to instantly furnish the various time readings corresponding to the different longitudes and which, on account of its simplicity, is adapted for use by persons not otherwise conversant with relations existing between longitude and time, etc.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the-above character which may be readily attached to any standard clock after the usual dial has been removed.

and fully illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which latter show embodiments of the in vention as at present preferred.

In said drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the rotatable hour dial.-

Fig. 5 is a section on line 55 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the adjusting screw.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the rotatable minute dial.

Fig. 8 is a section on line 88 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of the rear plate.

Fig. 10 is a side elevation of the rear plate.

Fig. 11 is a partial plan view of the stationary dial.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the embodiment in this instance includes a stationary dial 10, an inner movable dial 11 V 1 and an outer movable dial 12. This stationary dial 10 is securedto a rear plate 13 by means of screws 14. These dials are preferably constructed of metal, such as aluminum, and de sirably have a white enamel face.

The stationary dial is provided with black Roman numerals 15 on the face thereof, said numerals running from one to twelve, both inelusive, said dial being used to indicate the standard time in the time zone where the clock may be located. The inner dial 11 is likewise provided with numerals 16, said numerals also running from one to twelve. This inner dial, which is rotatable, is provided with a central aperture 11, and is used to indicate the hour in any given city, the names 17 of which are indicated on an outer flange portion 18. It will be observed in Figs. 2 and 3 that this flange 18 engages the rear side of the stationary dial 10, which acts as an outer support for the movable dial.

The outer movable dial 12 is provided with numerals 19, said numerals running from five to sixty, both inclusive, in multiples of five. An inner flange 20, integral with this outer dial, carries the names 21 of the same cities as appear on the inner dial 11. The outer portion of the stationary dial acts as a support for this movable dial. All of the dials are provided with intermediate markings 22 as are found in all standard clocks.

The stationary dial 10 is provided with two openings 23 in order that the name of the desired city on the movable dials may be seen.

The rear plate 13 is preferably constructed of metal and is provided with a number of pins 24 which act as rear supports for the movable dials. This plate is also provided with a vertical slot 25 on the front thereof which provides space for a stem 26 adapted to rotate the dials. This stem carries a knurled grip 27 at the upper end thereof and is supported near its upper end by means of a bracket 28. An ear portion 29 at the lower end of the vertical slot, said ear portion being integral with the rear plate, carries a small pin 30 which supports a coil spring 31, the upper end of which receives the lower end 26' of the stem 26. The stem is provided with two conical pinions 32 with knurled edges which engage, alternately, the circular rack flanges 33 and 34 on the rear side of the movable dials 11 and 12, respectively, and being integral therewith. These rack flanges are provided with knurled surfaces in order to make a firmer engagement with the pinions 32.

The pin 26, is held upwards in its normal posi- 11 0 tion by means of the spring 31 and the upper pinion 32 engages the rack flange 34, in this position, as indicated in Fig. 2. Thus this outer movable dial 12 may be revolved by simply revolving the grip 27. When it is desired to rotate the inner dial 11 the pin is forced downwards thereby putting the lower pinion in contact with the flange on said inner dial. The pin is then revolved, causing the dial to rotate to the desired position It is obvious that the above embodiment may.

be constructed as a part of any standard clock. When, however, it is desired to equip a clock, having the usual face, with the embodiment it will only be necessary to remove the hands 36 and also the old fashioned dial, The device may then be secured to the clock by means of brackets (not shown) and covered with a glass face. The hands may then be replaced.

The hereinbefore described construction admits of considerable modification without de parting from the invention; therefore, it is the wish not to be limited to the precise arrangements shown and described, which are as aforesaid, by way of illustration merely. In other words the scope of protection contemplated is to be taken solely from the appended claim, interpreted as broadly as is consistent with the prior art.

What is claimed as new is:

In a universal clock having clock hands and a non-rotary dial provided with an annular series of numbers, the combination of a. rotary dial to indicate the hour in any given city in the world and a rotary dial to indicate the minutes in the hour in the same city and a single stem for selectively rotating said rotary dials, said rotary dials having annular flanges on their rear faces, said flanges having oppositely positioned inclined faces and said stem including spaced conical oppositely disposed dial turning parts, oneiof which is normally in contact with the inclined face of one of said flanges, a spring being provided to efiect contact between the mentioned part and inclined face of the flange, said stem being movable in the direction of its length against the action of the spring to eflect contact of the other conical part with the inclined face of the other flange. v

NICOLA RUSSO. 

